Africa-Press – Lesotho. Rivers United endured a difficult outing on Saturday as defending champions Pyramids FC powered to a 3–0 victory, with Egyptian striker Ahmed Atef El Sayed delivering a stunning second-half hat-trick in their continental clash.
The Pride of Rivers held their own for much of the first half, keeping shape and denying the reigning African champions any clear openings.
Both sides battled intensely in midfield, and Rivers United looked disciplined, particularly in transition, as the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
However, the second half told a different story.
Pyramids returned from the break with sharper movement and greater attacking intent, placing Rivers United under sustained pressure.
That breakthrough arrived in the 52nd minute when Ahmed Atef pounced from close range to put the hosts ahead, capitalising on a defensive lapse inside the box.
Just five minutes later, the forward doubled Pyramids’ advantage with a brilliant header into the top-right corner, finishing off a precise through ball from Karim Hafez.
The goal visibly unsettled Rivers United, who struggled to regain their composure as the momentum swung firmly in favour of the champions.
Rivers United’s attempts to push forward were repeatedly cut out by Pyramids’ compact midfield, and the Nigerians paid the price again in the 72nd minute.
Mohamed Reda carved open their defence with a well-timed pass, allowing Atef to slot home his third of the night with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner.
From that moment, Pyramids FC controlled the tempo, dictating possession and denying Rivers United any real chance of a comeback.
The Port Harcourt side laboured to break down the Egyptian champions’ defensive structure but found no way through.
The 3–0 defeat marks a setback for Rivers United, who will now need to regroup quickly as the competition intensifies.
Despite the loss, the Nigerian side remains in contention and will look to respond strongly in their upcoming fixtures.
For Pyramids, the emphatic win reinforces their credentials as top contenders for back-to-back continental titles—while Rivers United face the task of bouncing back from a tough night in Cairo.
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